In 1500 words or less, each post will give you something you can use TODAY to build yourself, your people and your organization whether your organization is a "for-profit" or a "not-for-profit."
The problems we face as individuals, in our work, with our families, and as a society often can seem incredibly overwhelming.
You can’t change everything, but you can change some things, start where you are. Try these suggestions; they work, and they can help you to make a difference …
Although the focus of this post is on “Retail Management,” the issues discussed are transferable to many other sectors.
Retail management can make you feel like a “pin-ball” some days as you juggle the inevitable day to day questions and issues that fill a manager’s or supervisor’s day. It is important to remember that the interruptions that keep you from doing your job actually are your job! Taking care of your associate’s questions and allowing them to look after your customers or your clients is really, what makes a manager successful.
“The best way to win a fight … is to avoid having one,” this oft forgotten lesson from Dale Carnegie is one of the fundamentals of “How to Win Friends and Influence people.” It is, however, only part of his lesson. A missing link is to remember that you should always try to “appreciate the other person’s perspective.”
At one time, I mistakenly believed these two types of organizations were mutually exclusive. While there are certainly differences, they share many similarities and have common issues.
Having worked closely with many successful leaders over my career, here are some of the fundamental rules that they lived by:
I have been fortunate that in my career I have had several mentors who have had a significant impact on my life. Some on a personal level who provided inspiration at key life moments, some academically as I struggled and questioned whether I could continue. I have also benefited professionally from several mentors who have helped in the past, now, and hopefully into the future.
“Good to great” is the title of an excellent book by Jim Collins. Collins writes about how some of the good organizations made themselves great organizations by doing things well that were available to everyone in their sectors, but only a few made the effort. As a commission sales associate, you have the same opportunity. The things that you need to do to become truly great are at your fingertips, the same way that they are for everyone else, as with the examples in his book, only the great sales associates do them.
If Pride, Arrogance, and Complacency are the 3 deadly sins of leadership; then humility, consideration, and determination are the antidote. The very best leaders set the example for their associates and organizations.
2020 has been a most unusual and difficult year; but I am grateful for the lessons and the experience. I would like to share the lessons so that perhaps you can avoid the same mistakes I have made.
Successfully implementing change can be difficult for any organization, small or large. Consider using a “Red Team” to improve your chances of success.
If you find yourself asking this question, the answer is probably something that “YOU” aren’t doing as a leader or manager. The solution is to take a hard look at how you are approaching the problem.